The artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector has recorded stronger performance gains than large-scale gold mining for two consecutive years, according to Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi.
Speaking at the African Minerals Policy Centre’s 2026 Mining in Motion Forum, Mr Gyamfi said the sector has significant potential to drive economic development across Africa if modern technology and policies that encourage greater local participation support it.
“For two years in a row, the ASM sector is showing performance gains, greater in potential than the large-scale gold sector,” he said.
He explained that improved technology could help small-scale miners increase gold recovery, minimise environmental damage, enhance safety and create more productive opportunities for young Africans.
Sammy Gyamfi also called for African countries to take greater control of their mineral industries, arguing that ownership of natural resources alone does not guarantee economic benefits when key parts of the mining value chain remain under foreign control.
“Now, ladies and gentlemen, mineral sovereignty remains incomplete when finance, equipment, technology, processing, trading, and the highest value opportunities are controlled elsewhere,” he said.
He urged governments and industry stakeholders to remove barriers that prevent local businesses and professionals from owning and operating mining enterprises.
Mr Gyamfi said deliberate government policies were needed to create opportunities for African entrepreneurs, engineers, geologists, equipment owners, financiers, processors and refiners to expand their participation in the sector.
He maintained that increasing local ownership and involvement across the mining value chain would help African countries translate their mineral wealth into broader economic opportunities and prosperity.
